The changes that are required to existing disability support systems are significant. Arrangements are being made to ensure the scheme can be introduced gradually, ensuring a smooth transition for people with disability and support providers.

NDIS will progressively roll out across Queensland over a three year period from 1 July 2016. It is estimated that around 97,000 Queenslanders will be supported by the NDIS when it is fully rolled out.

QAMH is supporting mental health agencies to be ready for NDIS. We hope you will benefit from this collation of resources about the NDIS and what it will mean for you.

NDIS Operational Plan

The Operational Plan between the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), Queensland Government and Commonwealth Government for the transition to the NDIS has now been released.

The primary purpose of this document is to operationalise the Queensland Bilateral Agreement, signed on 16 March 2016. According to the Operational Plan, it ‘identifies a program of work and the responsibilities of the parties during the transition to the NDIS’, and ‘outlines the implementation activities for the transition to full scheme in Queensland’.

Part one of the Plan addresses bilateral and national policy elements and Part two of the Plan addresses administration and service delivery operating model elements.

Bilateral Agreements

The Commonwealth and Queensland governments have signed a Bilateral Agreement for the roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Queensland.

From 1 July 2016, eligible people in Queensland will start entering the NDIS in a carefully managed and well supported way. By 1 July 2019, all eligible people with disability will be covered under the NDIS, ultimately providing support to over 90,000 Queenslanders.

In Queensland, the NDIS will be rolled out geographically.

This is the start of an important journey, not the end. The National Disability Insurance Agency and the Queensland Government are working closely to ensure a smooth transition to the NDIS.

Existing national and state-based services and supports will continue until all eligible people with disability start their plans with the NDIS.

NDIS Resources

NDIS Workforce

QAMH currently sits on the WorkAbility Queensland State Advisory Group supporting the community managed mental health sector through the NDIS transition. Read more on the NDIS Workforce.

NDIS and Mental Health in Queensland

In mid-2015, a strategic forum was established to focus on the impact of the NDIS implementation on the Queensland mental health sector. The Queensland Transition to NDIS for Mental Health (QTN MH) Strategic Forum is chaired by the QAMH CEO, Kris Trott. Further information can be found at a separate webpage dedicated to the QTN MH Strategic Forum.

QAMH will keep its members updated on the latest changes with regard to NDIS implementation, particularly within the mental health sector. QAMH staff are involved with several executive committees; if our members would like to register any issues or concerns for discussion, please email admin@qamh.org.au.

NDIS/FYI – We Need You….

Over the coming months, Connections will be updating the NDIS/FYI website to create an easy-to-navigate space that will host relevant identified resources, tools and information that can assist potential participants of the NDIS in their goal and support planning.

Unfortunately, many of the existing resources and tools developed to assist potential participants, social workers and services to prepare for the NDIS can be a challenge to locate as they currently sit within individual organisations or on a variety of website or platforms.

That’s where you come in.

If you have developed resources and tools that you feel would be beneficial please contact Connections to discuss further.